19th - 21st July 2013

By Roundwood & District Community Council

A family orientated festival in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains featuring organized walks, cycles and canoeing events. For the less active there are historical, traditional music and cultural events and side shows including butter making, traditional craft display. The Roundwood and District Historical and Folklore Society will host Ancient Music Ireland's instrument display and portray a historical look at Roundwood as it celebrates its 300 year anniversary.

2013 is the 300 anniversary of Roundwood as it was in 1713 when the name Roundwood was first mentioned officially. All the stops are out to ensure that this festival, coinciding with the Gathering will be remembered for the next 300 years. In conjunction with the Roundwood and District Historical and Folklore Society, musical lovers, young and old will be enthralled with ‘Ancient Music Ireland’ who will play and displayreplica musical instruments from Ireland's Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Early Medieval times.

The festivities begin on Friday night with the ‘Hooley of all Hooleys’ for those from far and wide who have ever danced away the night in Roundwood Parish Hall since its construction back when the Navvies worked on the Upper Vartry Reservoir in the early 20th Century. Plenty of photographs of those bygone days will be on view!

Roundwood’s fantastic location with the Vartry Reservoir and surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains are the perfect setting for the following events which will all start in and around the village on Saturday 20th of July. So shake off those cobwebs and welcome to

ROUNDWOOD ON THE MOVE

First ever canoe event on the Vartry Reservoir

Reservoir fun run

A range of walks from short rambles suitable for parents with buggies to the long distance mountain treks

Historical tours and walks including Derralossary Church & Graveyard, burial place of President of Ireland, Erskine Childers and the Roundwood’s Vartry Reservoir and Waterworks.

Guided Cycle tours of the Wicklow Mountains

All these outdoor events will end at Roundwood Parish Hall where Ancient Music of Ireland will present their replica musical instruments with a musical journey through the ages from Stone Age to Early Medieval Times. These musicians will be joined by the Roundwood Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Group and many other visiting musicians who will entertain well into the evening. The five local bars will continue the party well into the wee hours for those with stamina!

Sunday is a dedicated family day with field day events suitable for all age groups. Side shows include Tug of war, Vintage Fire Engine, Dog Show, Fair Day attractions, Pets Corner, Kid’s corner with face painting, tattoos, etc., craft displays in the craft village and Roundwood Home Producers Market, butter making, historical presentation of Roundwood’s 300 years, photographic display, music, dance, Family BBQ and home cooked refreshments and the list keeps growing!

Times of events will be confirmed nearer the time but keep checking out the updates on http://www.roundwood.ie/ , soon to be revamped & re-launched! Also on Facebook – searching for roundwood.ie.